Beijing introduces sweeping restrictions on drones, including a ban on recreational drone possession and use, as part of broader security measures in the capital following a June aviation crash.
The rules come after a light aircraft crashes into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, the Citic Tower (China Zun), in June, killing the pilot. Multiple outlets report that Beijing’s updated regulations move beyond limiting recreational use and tighten oversight for all uncrewed flights.
The South China Morning Post adds further detail, saying Beijing implements a total ban that also covers possession and storage of existing drone devices, and for the first time sets out disposal methods. Bloomberg describes the policy as a ban aimed at preventing recreational drone use. Both accounts link the policy changes directly to the June crash and their stated security rationale, with implementation described as beginning on November 15.
